When it comes to economic development, creating new “product” from conception to market is a complex and arduous process with a lifecycle that can extend for years. Take a drive through Cabarrus County, for example, and you’ll see expansive acres of land that appear ripe for development. But what many people don’t realize is there’s a long list of behind-the-scenes hurdles to clear before a piece of land can be transformed into a site-ready product.

When Scott Padgett was elected to the Concord City Council in 1995, the city’s population was 30,000; today, approximately 90,000 people call Concord home. We sat down with the retiring mayor recently to reflect on the many changes he’s seen over the last 22 years, particularly in the area of economic development.

Successful economic development programs offer multiple benefits, including a better standard of living for citizens, more job opportunities, a diversified business base, smarter use of technology, and more. What are some of the ways Cabarrus Economic Development strives to foster investment in the county?

When it comes to questions about business in Cabarrus County, LeeAnn Nixon may not have all the answers, but she certainly knows how and where to get them. As the Existing Industry Specialist for Cabarrus Economic Development, Nixon heads up the Business Retention and Expansion Program – a key part of the EDC’s strategic plan that focuses on identifying industry needs and supporting business growth.